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hatrack

(61,393 posts)
Fri Jan 17, 2025, 08:00 AM 6 hrs ago

Suriname Hammered By Record Drought; Water Supply, Transportation & Public Health Shutting Down As Rivers Dry Up

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The drought in Suriname began in early 2023, with severe conditions reported by February last year; wildfires spread, posing a major health risk. By August, the drought had extensively depleted natural water sources, forcing communities to rely on contaminated river water. This has led to the spread of waterborne illnesses, especially among children under five, as reported in Sipaliwini.

Health facilities and schools have been badly hit, with a lack of clean water disrupting medical services and education. Clinics report shortages of medical supplies and staff, as well as problems with basic sanitation, further aggravating the crisis. Erratic weather and consecutive crop failures have heightened food insecurity. Rising food prices and transport costs from Paramaribo have left many households without adequate nutrition, increasing vulnerability among women, children and older adults.

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In Abenaston, the schools are only able to open for two or three days a week. “Teachers who have to come from the city have difficulty reaching their duty station. There is also no drinking water and water for toilets. We can’t do that to the children,” says Graida. According to a Unicef report in November on the country’s prolonged drought, communities in the interior have been severely affected. The drought has hit 52 villages and approximately 40,000 people across Sipaliwini, Upper Suriname, Tapanahony and Coeroeni, with about 70% of the population needing humanitarian assistance.

Health facilities and schools have been badly hit, with a lack of clean water disrupting medical services and education. Clinics report shortages of medical supplies and staff, as well as problems with basic sanitation, further aggravating the crisis. Erratic weather and consecutive crop failures have heightened food insecurity. Rising food prices and transport costs from Paramaribo have left many households without adequate nutrition, increasing vulnerability among women, children and older adults.

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https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jan/14/crying-for-rain-suriname-drought-environment-climate-rivers-drying-hunger-clean-water-transport-health

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